Michigan at Purdue postgame

Just as the Boilermakers were set to begin the stretch run of the Big Ten season, a speed bump. But will it lead to a pot hole, which could eventually swallow up the chances at a Big Ten title?

Still a long way to go, but Sunday’s 67-56 loss to Michigan gives Penn State margin for error the final three weeks.

KEY STRETCH

They worked hard to get a lead against the Wolverines, who controlled most of the game. Up 47-43 following Sam Ostarello’s rebound basket – a rebound she had to fight for – momentum appeared to be on the side of the Boilermakers. Enter Kate Thompson. A 3-pointer, and later a four-point play. She sparked the Wolverines on a 15-4 run and the program’s first win inside Mackey Arena since 1998.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Kate Thompson. The 6-foot-4 senior dashed Purdue’s hopes at every turn. She scored 13 of her 22 points in the second half and made 6 of 13 from 3-point range for the game.

Benefitted from the constant switching defense – a strategy the Boilermakers have used before – and found the right matchups. Thompson didn’t need much time, and it helped that Purdue was a step slow. We told you Michigan was a problem matchup before hand because everyone can shoot.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT

Nya Jordan. Scored nine straight points to help the Wolverines open up a 17-3 lead with less than seven minutes expired. Finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. … Jenny Ryan handed out nine of Michigan’s 17 assists, a bulk of them going to Thompson. … Purdue’s April Wilson had a solid game, totaling 12 points and two assists. … Did Sunday mark the return of Chantel Poston?

In 22 minutes, seven points and provided some much-needed energy to start the second half.

WHAT I DID LIKE

Michigan’s ball movement. Time and time again, the Wolverines were one pass ahead of the defense. Crisp and forceful passes that had a purpose. There was one possession where all five players touched the ball, ending with Ryan hitting a 3-pointer. … Wilson’s play.

Seemed to be the only guard wiling to get inside the 3-point line and attack the zone from the 10-15 foot range. … A season-low 12 turnovers, including four in the second half.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

Lack of energy to start the game by the Boilermakers. No excuse since this was the first action since Monday against Penn State. Meanwhile, Michigan was playing its third game in seven days and didn’t lack any energy. … Sam Ostarello – the team’s leading rebounder – not on the floor from the 3:33 mark until 1:53 remained.

Michigan grabbed two offensive rebounds and eventually stretched the lead to 58-51. … Purdue not attacking the zone after going 8 of 8 from the free throw line in the first half. The Boilermakers shot one free throw in the first 18:33 after halftime. … Post players out of rebounding position because of the switching. Led to a 34-24 rebounding advantage for Michigan.

VIEW FROM MICHIGAN

The Wolverines needed a signature win. They got it. Coach Kim Barnes Arico called it a “super quality win” in regards to the NCAA tournament. As of Sunday, I would agree. But it depends how Purdue finishes this season to determine the real quality. But this was a nice win, especially playing a third game this week. Purdue seems to struggle in those situations, but Michigan thrived.

The Wolverines are now part of the logjam in the middle of the conference race. This is a veteran team that has tasted some success before, and Sunday should help feed the appetite.

On a day the turnovers weren’t a big issue, the long range shooting, defensive lapses and the 13-point deficit were the culprits. It’s easy to chalk it up to poor shooting, but Purdue has allowed opponents to dictate terms too many times this season, even in the wins. The Boilermakers get caught up playing the other team’s game instead of their own. That’s hard to overcome every night. Zone defenses aren’t going away and the 3-point shooting will continue to come and go. What will they do the next time to offer a counter attack?

This wasn’t a crippling loss that ends Purdue’s chances of catching Penn State, which now leads the field by two games. But don’t be mistaken – it’s a damaging one, especially at home. Depends how the Boilermakers respond to know the full extent.